Once you’ve had the chance to soak in the beauty of San Juan Island, (although as locals, we can never get enough!) take a day to visit one of our neighbors in this beautiful archipelago we call home. Plus, we’ve made it easy for you! After a short ferry ride, use this unique itinerary our team created for guests traveling over to Lopez Island for the day. Thanks to our friends at MacKaye Harbor Inn for the wonderful exploration resources!
Hiking & Walking Trails
Watmough Bay
Take Aleck Bay Rd east until the “T” at the white farmhouse. Turn RIGHT onto Watmough Head Rd. The road turns to the left soon. Follow the road until you go down a steep hill. Turn LEFT at the Watmough Bay sign. You will come to a widened parking area. Leave your car here and walk through the metal gate and proceed to the beach. Stay OFF the sheer rock face to your left! (Many serious accidents have taken place there.)
Shark Reef Sanctuary
Take MacKaye Harbor Rd north to Mud Bay Rd. Next, turn left and proceed to Vista Rd. Turn LEFT on Vista Rd, turn RIGHT on Richardson Rd and proceed to Davis Bay Rd. Turn LEFT on Davis Bay Rd and proceed to junction connection with Burt Rd. Continue straight on Burt Rd. Turn LEFT on Shark Reef Rd. Parking and bike racks are on your right.
Iceberg Point: Lopez’s Sounthend Viewpoint
Take MacKaye Harbor Rd until Agate Beach parking area. Park. Walk south to where the county road ends and the gravel road begins. Walk a short .25 mile until you come to a driveway on your right with a small sign on a pole which says “Iceberg Point”. Bat & Ball Lane is to the left. Turn RIGHT, Go around a metal gate and continue down the grassy driveway. DO NOT TURN RIGHT at the “Y”, stay to the left. Follow the grassy road through private forest-lands until you enter Iceberg Pt. Please read and obey regulations so we may continue to use this beautiful area.
Lopez Hill
This 400-acre must-see is owned by the Washington State DNR and maintained by the San Juan Country Land Bank. Responsible and respectful practices such as “Leave No Trace” are in place so that recreational use of the property can last for generations.
Crash Course on “Leave No Trace” Ethics:
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Leave plants, animals, rocks, and other objects as you find them
- Observe wildlife from a safe distance
- Avoid wildlife at sensitive times: breeding, nesting, raining young, and winter
- Never feed wildlife
- Control and clean-up after your pets
- Avoid creating loud noises
- Respect other visitors
Find the trailhead at: Lopez Sound Rd, Lopez Island, WA 98261and visit https://lopezhill.org/lopez-hill-trails/ for more information on the trails available. $1 maps available for purchase, money its used as a donation for trail maintenance!
Dining
Here’s a must if you’re on Lopez Island. The infamous Ursa Minor. Reservations are recommended and can be made through their website, or by calling 360-622-2730. They are located at 210 Lopez Road
Lopez Island, WA 98261.
Lodging
If you do decide to stay the night, we recommend visiting our friends at MacKaye Harbor Inn!
Enjoy your experience on Lopez Island! As part of the San Juan Island Inn Collection, we love sharing all our insight of our island as well as the neighboring island! Any more questions? Just ask one of our team members at 360-378-2783.
